Christmas In Appalachia 1965

Рет қаралды 86,963

11 жыл бұрын

TELEVISION DOCUMENTARY: (CLICK "SHOW MORE" below FOR A NOTE FROM ME) Examines the meager holiday season for poor families in the mountains of Kentucky. Reporter, Charles Kuralt, talks with the people about the disappointments their children will have on Christmas Day. The children sing carols and eat a hot meal, the only joy they will have at Christmas. A general store owner explains how automation has taken away jobs for men in coal mines. Shows people in line to receive surplus, government commodities. Emphasizes that poverty prevails year round, and shows the misery and discouragement of adults, the scant prospects of education for children, and the shacks that serve as homes.
NOTE--I wanted to post a reply I made to a recent comment from someone who was angered about the video depicting people in a bad light. I fully understand their comment, and am not upset about it, at all. Hence, my reply to them below:
Please don't be angry with me for my reply, I just want to explain (and I have nothing to do with the production of this original documentary in any way, then or today). Let's be honest, this documentary was originally created to gain ratings for a television station. Same as today. Some things don't change. Yet, somewhere in the background there was someone working on that crew who wanted some honesty and understanding to come out in it. Otherwise, I would not host it, nor condone it. I understand your comment. I was born/raised in Appalachia. I moved to live right on the New York border for one year. I moved back to Appalachia 20 years ago by choice, not by necessity. Different strokes, yes?
While this documentary paints a picture of a bleak outlook, it is a "portion" of the area. Not many today would view this as a slight on my/your/our way of life/beliefs. It is simply a time capsule containing a life that was obviously, and by way of document, happening in the area. Not all people lived this way back then. Most people realize this and it shouldn't be seen as a slight on anyone's way of life. The despair seen here is underlined by a hope that people today need to see. Did the children show signs of giving up? No. Did the adults waver in their faith in the face of such adversity? No. Be it religious belief or pure human will, they moved forward and proved what was the most important thing in the existence in any human life: Family/friends. Today, you might even find families with children , or even parents, who have less than a high school education. Be they from rural mountains/plains or the ghettos of a big city. Some by choice, some by circumstance. But, to which I think you will agree, the ferocity of their love for their family/friends will be something that fills the void of such education, and do them far more good in the long run.
In Appalachia, there are many culturally significant places. Be that your favorite diner on main street that some lucky traveler gets to visit and say "Oh my God that food was awesome!" or a more prominent place like The Greenbrier for those with a luckier lot in life. Google quote for The Greenbrier: "The Greenbrier is an award-winning resort located in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. ... The Greenbrier has been awarded the AAA Five Diamond status since inception of the award and is one of only three properties to have earned this distinction for 33 consecutive years." Different strokes. No pun intended.
Lastly, I will explain for the first time why I host this on KZfaq. Obviously, as a whole, the documentary paints a picture of a way of life that shows/proves what is most important to a human being. More specifically, the part at 4:24 when the mother offers the exact same respect to her daughter and the "Famous TV guy" in town to make a movie. Notice the way she treats her daughter with the respect of being every bit as important to her time and attention as the "TV guy" and in the same way, treats the "TV guy" with the respect of a guest in her home, no more, no less. If people today would learn the true meaning of what just happened in that social situation, I believe the world would be a much better place. When it comes to respect, some things don't change. This is the reason I host this video. Please let anyone in your family who was angered by it read this. Anger or slighting a way of life was the last of my intent when hosting it.

Пікірлер: 293

@evil_juggalo_1014 5 жыл бұрын

Thank the Good Lord I had cousins that were older than me because I got their hand me downs back in the 60's ! Got their old toys and such , I couldn't wait until Christmas to get dolls and pretty little things , course they were used ,but , to me they were new and we had a good Christmas dinner , we would crack black walnuts for cakes and some candy , Daddy and my Uncle would go hunting and bring back a turkey , every thing was made from scratch ! How I miss those days , we lived way back in the sticks ! Sandra Kay

@chickasawstarrmountain9747 4 жыл бұрын

I was raised liked and like this and lived that way for 30 years ,we were clean never went hungry , used to make pull candy for Christmas and divinity, had fried rabbit leather britches beans ,sweet potatoes and sourdough bread and pumpkin pie , never missed church!! I miss that life was much better than now we had handme down toys but we didn't know ,had a full house! best years of my life !

@jendyson6729 4 жыл бұрын

Your life sounds a lot better than some of the families in this documentary. I think there was hunger and lack or clothing and not even used toys at Christmas.

@mskay949 5 жыл бұрын

At least her house was clean, even though you are poor you can still be clean. When I see movies like these and the kids are dirty and the house is filthy, it makes me think that they are lazy. I grew up very poor but our house was always clean and we were clean. We didn't have nice furniture, television, telephone, washer /dryer, (we had an old Maytag wringer washer) or any of the conveniences of the 50's, but what little we did have my mom kept it clean. Also she made all 7 of us help.

@helenahandbasket3016 4 жыл бұрын

If your choice is a bag of flour or a bar of soap, which would you choose? Seems to me that's the kind of choices these people were up against.

@carlyl5272 5 жыл бұрын

Very touching. There's just something so special about the appalachians and the spirit of the people there. 💖💕 Thank you

@Trevorjennings679 Жыл бұрын

Hello Carly, how are you doing today, hope you’re fine and safe from the COVID-19 virus??

@lorettadunigan748 5 жыл бұрын

I think everyone today should have to watch this. These kids today are spoiled

@CountryRelaxincom 5 жыл бұрын

Loretta, you hit the nail on the head. :)

@sassypolkadots6446 4 жыл бұрын

loretta dunigan Entitled

@jendyson6729 4 жыл бұрын

Children aren't necessarily spoiled because they don't live in abject poverty. It isn't spoiling someone to have proper clothes, shoes, a warm clean house to live in, good food and a chance to attend school. I have raised a large family and they have been very fortunate to have all the advantages as we are not poor and destitute. You can raise children to appreciate what they have and take care of what they are given, you just have to instill in them a sense of gratefulness. Now I am helping to raise my grandchildren and although they have everything they could ever want or need they are being taught to appreciate it and recognize that everyone is not so fortunate. I don't think generalizing an entire generation as spoiled or entitled is fair or accurate.

@sheilabarron7206 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you Southern Pride Forever Our Mountain People will Live On🖤

@usmc-veteran73-77 6 жыл бұрын

Sheila Barron I grew up a holler (hallow) The Potts Branch of the Trace Fork of Davis Creek in West Virginia back in the 60s. We were very poor but very clean. I went on and joined the Marine Corps/Army and retired after 24 yrs old Active Duty. My wife also from the hills of West Virginia and she has a Doctorate degree in Education. We were lucky, most people our age never finished high school. But most Appalachian people are hard workers.

@sheilabarron7206 6 жыл бұрын

My Gentle Pitt Bull Thank you I agree with you My Grandfather is from the Foothills of Kentucky My Peace be with you and your family ♥️

@CountryRelaxincom 5 жыл бұрын

@@usmc-veteran73-77 Thank you for your service. I am 100% sure my family spent many a care-free night dreaming as you risked your life. Unfortunately, I wasn't in a position to serve. That said, I know no less of what it took for those who did, such as friends and family members of my own. Hero is tossed around in conversation quite a bit, but it always lands in one place every time with me, and that is with those who served. God bless ya and thank you from the bottom of my heart and from everyone in my immediate family.

@whateverwhatever9104 5 жыл бұрын

American by birth Southern by the Grace of God.

@debbiemarlow4027 4 жыл бұрын

I love the little girl talking about what she learned

@michaelhills8516 3 жыл бұрын

whatever happened to little Janet baker.she probly moved to a larger town or was sent away to the larger city by the state if they couldn't take care if her anymore.like to think Charles got them something is there a follow-up show.

@Trevorjennings679 Жыл бұрын

Hello Debbie, how are you doing today, hope you’re fine and safe from the COVID-19 virus??

@usmc-veteran73-77 6 жыл бұрын

Lived up the Potts Branch of the Trace Fork of Davis Creek, 5 miles from Charleston, West Virginia. We were always clean, the house was spotless inside and out. We were poor and didn't know it.

@jaysadler1531 5 жыл бұрын

That's the important thing that differentiates poverty in 1960s with poverty in 2018. Back then, before the democrats war on poverty which continues into modern times, the poor only slightly realized how "unfortunate" they were. The Appalachian Mountaineers were mostly receptive of their fate and mostly lived happily regardless of their destiny. Today, they can't accept their destiny and unhappily blame the government. And they always expect more and more from everybody else. So much for LBJ's war on poverty and it's sad legacy. Back then YOU did something to elevate your status and today they expect US to lift them out of poverty. The Donald will (with the cooperation of Congress) Make America Great Again.... Just wait and see. As Coal comes back (against the wishes of the democrat party) so will Appalachia. This is the Appalachia I so fondly remember from my youth exploring the hills and hollows in a '71 Toyota Land Cruiser ($4370.00 at the time) while trying to be as inconspicuous as possible. And this is the Charles Kuralt that I remember after all these years, reporting "On the Road" with great sensitivity for decades culminating with CBSs "Sunday Morning" which I still watch today, though with slightly less enthusiasm.

@stevendeatley4878 5 жыл бұрын

I grew up along Hunting Camp Creek in Bland County VA>just south of Bluefield and we lived in my Great Grand Dads old house ,it had no running water we had a old out house and we heated the home with a huge old Warm morning coal stove,we did have eletricity ,but I remember I carried a many a bucket of spring water home from the spring box that was in a huge cliff face out back of the house and for wash water we had a old hand dug well and i would get the bath water from there and wash in a old wash tub and my Mother would heat the water on the stove for us boys to wash in .and I know we was poor but we always had food to eat even if it was only corn bread and Beans .and now days my kids love it when I fix up a big pone of corn bread and a pot of beans and fry up some taters and onions lol and if its in the spring of the year I will go out to the holler and get some Ramps and fry them up in the taters .or some Morell mushrooms I love them things and I would not want to live anywhere outside of these old mountains I been here all my days and I expect TO be planted in them some day .my wife fussed at me once for drinking water from a stream tthat was flowing down the side of Round Mountain ,lol she thought I was crazy ,but it was coming right up from the ground and I don't carry a canteen with me while I am out in the woods I just lay down and get a drink when I am thirsty and if I have a bottle I will fill it with spring water.I tell her if it has those big black salamanders in it then it has got to be clean water .

@CountryRelaxincom 5 жыл бұрын

"Poor" is most definitely relative. Most "Poor" people are far more rich than any can ever conceive.

@stevendeatley4878 5 жыл бұрын

@@CountryRelaxincom It is like a old man said at Church one night, he said "I don't have a big fine home and a new car and alot of fine fixings,but I have no desire for all that stuff,and I thank GOD for that"

@CountryRelaxincom 5 жыл бұрын

@@stevendeatley4878 Yes sir

@augustprice17 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for posting this beautiful film. It means a great deal to me. I was born in the 1950’s and grew up in West Virginia.

@LittleBird777 5 жыл бұрын

Mountain folks seem the salt of earth with beautiful hearts, this is worth so much more than money, you must be proud to be a part of this beautiful state, and indeed it is one of the most beautiful places on this earth.

@CountryRelaxincom 5 жыл бұрын

I'm glad you enjoyed the film. Thanks for taking the time out of your day to comment.

@CountryRelaxincom 5 жыл бұрын

@@LittleBird777 Thank you for taking the time to comment. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and yes, it is most beautiful.

@lauralogan3046 4 жыл бұрын

Mr Mitchell the storekeeper 😭❤️ What a sweet man.

@Trevorjennings679 Жыл бұрын

Hello Laura, how are you doing today, hope you’re fine and safe from the COVID-19 virus??

@cherylrector495 5 жыл бұрын

I wish I could go there and plant a beautiful flower garden for Goldie Johnson.

@duaneison 3 жыл бұрын

I lived close to her and ib johnson they was all good people

@judy4283 3 жыл бұрын

I show these films to my students during our study of the many different cultures and the changing times of our world !... thank you

@Trevorjennings679 Жыл бұрын

Hello Judy, how are you doing today, hope you’re fine and safe from the COVID-19 virus??

@localyokel9672 5 жыл бұрын

Grew up in the 50’s there and we never knew we were poor till they told us, we never got commodities that’s what they called it, dad said we’d starve before we took charity, we were happy, we were warm, we were proud, thanks to me mountain upbringing from those Ulster- Scott’s that moved here in the 1700’s. Question, anyone still eat picked-dog, that was a treat when I was a kid, pickeldog what we called it some crackers and an RC cola and we were in heaven. Not to speak of the mushrooms we called dry land fish, anyone else?

@backyardsounds 11 жыл бұрын

This was an excellent expose. Glad to see it on KZfaq.

@avalondreaming1433 5 жыл бұрын

When the store owner said machinery took away all the jobs, it made me think of my local Walmart which is now completely self check out. We must stand up and stop our jobs being taken away. Look at Appalachia today. All the mines have closed and everyone is on SSI and using drugs.

@CountryRelaxincom 5 жыл бұрын

I have not used a self check out to this day. And, I never will. That is very sad if the entire store is self check. I would find another place to purchase locally, if I could.

@litt222 11 ай бұрын

Amen

@shopsshire9282 5 жыл бұрын

In 2018, this is still the same situation in many parts of Appalachia.

@jendyson6729 4 жыл бұрын

automation isn't going away, a new way to earn a living needs to be found.

@appa32472 3 жыл бұрын

Where is Appalachia? Does it go from maryland on down to Tennessee.

@curtissmith2679 3 жыл бұрын

@@appa32472 from georgia all the way to Canada border and beyond

@sr633 5 жыл бұрын

I saw this in West Virginia while I went to college in 1960. Just go off the main roads and this was there. The poor folks would come to town on the weekends to get food in old cars.

@usualfulful 4 жыл бұрын

I remember in 5th grade when we discussed what kids were getting for Christmas and I realized for the first time that I was poor. Because what was a big family purchase for us (like a camera) that was saved for and hoping that no other expenses more urgent got in the way, other kids got for Christmas. These days, I am glad that I went through a childhood that had little in material things because I am happy with just the basics as an adult and that prevents me from overspending.

@jessiejames7492 Жыл бұрын

I was the same. I remember my father once crying and saying he couldnt even afford to buy us the simplest things. But we had my parents love, food on the table. He slogged to educate all 8 of his children. I told him later he did the best any father could. ! We couldnt ask fr more.

@debbieadkins3734 5 жыл бұрын

My fathers family was born and raised in Kentucky. I was born the year this was filmed in 1965. I am greatly humbled after watching. From all the family discussions my family too struggled just as these families did during those times. I feel as if I was watching my own family and could completely relate. The entire time I just wanted to reach back in time and help these families, send food, send toys, send love and hope! I wonder after this was made world wide news if anyone tried to help these families? Wish there was a follow-up story!

@Trevorjennings679 Жыл бұрын

Hello Debbie, how are you doing today, hope you’re fine and safe from the COVID-19 virus??

@ohmeowzer1 7 жыл бұрын

Great film thank you

@elizabeths7700 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you for uploading.

@Trevorjennings679 Жыл бұрын

Hello Elizabeth, how are you doing today, hope you’re fine and safe from the COVID-19 virus??

@Awebreeze-zm3st 4 жыл бұрын

We'd go into the woods and gather walnuts. My brother and sister would crack them and mom and I picked them out. We had candy with nuts all winter long. We were poor but the most precious memories of childhood was the understanding and sharing we learned from being poor. Our yard had peach trees, one neighbor had a garden, another a cherry tree, another a mulberry bush. We respected the neighbors things so fences weren't necessary. We asked permission to enjoy the fruits and respected their answers. Pretty good times.

@Trevorjennings679 Жыл бұрын

Hello Pretty, how are you doing today, hope you’re fine and safe from the COVID-19 virus??

@bleikrsound6127 6 жыл бұрын

Having relocated my recording studio from Georgia and living in the deepest heart of Appalachia for almost twenty years, I have noticed a great change in the culture. More than TV, the digital age has elevated the people into a more aware and informed population. Isolation still exists, but these pockets are quickly being infiltrated. I only hope it's a better thing.

@CountryRelaxincom 5 жыл бұрын

Much appreciated to your comment. I will, though, say this. Not all peoples feel they need to be infiltrated to be "shown" a better way of life. In the contrary, sometimes, the rest of the world needs to view the simple views of those who see the world as they have for hundreds of years and get back to grips with what really matters.

@tammybunting4034 5 жыл бұрын

it wont be better . leave those folks alone.

@BlueRidgeMtns100 5 жыл бұрын

@@CountryRelaxincom if you are talking about home cooked meals and a garden that is fine. If you are talking about no wage paying jobs and children quitting school because their clothes are rags and so are their shoes - it's a very different thing. If you are talking about drinking mint tea for a head cold that is a very different thing than a young mother having cancer and no money for doctors, hospitals, etc. If you are talking about making music instead of watching TV that is one thing but old people staying home and dying because of no money for doctors and hospitals - that is a very different thing. I am not making things up and I'm not exaggerating; I lived through those circumstances and they were perfectly common and ordinary. These people who say "we didn't know we were poor" astound me. Did they not have eyes? Did they not have brains? Did they never wonder why they never went to a dentist or a doctor? Were they so entirely ignorant that they thought everyone lived like an 18th century peasant?

@chrishayden7016 4 жыл бұрын

@@BlueRidgeMtns100 I think it's the children that didn't realize they were poor. A shared misery when all their friends lived much the same way. As they reached adulthood they began to realize there was a different way of Life out there.

@russellrobinson7429 5 жыл бұрын

I can truly understand this film. My mother came from Harrisville, WV. (Richie County) Her dad owned a small grocery store and I growing up remember him keeping track on a receipt book for each individual of what they bought. When they got paid they would come an pay off the bill.

@thereaperfiles899 4 жыл бұрын

I truly enjoyed watching this. Thank you for sharing.

@jendyson6729 4 жыл бұрын

I enjoyed watching this documentary, thank you for sharing.

@Trevorjennings679 Жыл бұрын

Hello Jen, how are you doing today, hope you’re fine and safe from the COVID-19 virus??

@beckycarter9211 4 жыл бұрын

I don't understand why it seems that these people have soooo many children knowing their situation. It is so unfair to those children!!

@Trevorjennings679 Жыл бұрын

Hello Becky, how are you doing today, hope you’re fine and safe from the COVID-19 virus?

@michelecaron 3 жыл бұрын

May God Bless the fine folks of Appalachia’s mountains. Such good proud loving people. We appreciate your tenacity.

@izaaksalazar6301 5 жыл бұрын

"Permanently poor" is an odd turn of phrase...

@marionedmondson6191 5 жыл бұрын

Great video,God Bless these families.

@sheilac1845 5 жыл бұрын

My dear beloved Mother grew up poor, not in the mountains but not too far from them. She and her 3 Sisters were born at home, in an old one room house... No bathroom, nor running water, she had to draw water from the well, even in the freezing Winter. They hardly had food, it was so Hard on my Moma. I cry remembering her stories.

@marionmaier9006 5 жыл бұрын

Sheila C my mum grow up in the schwäbischen Alb /Baden -Württemberg ,Germany in poorness. They bad running Water ,electr.Light ,but it was in the late 40sjear and beginning 50s!My Grandfather diet in the Warfields in Russia.My Granny must alone raise up three children and had to go in a textil factory. Sometimes they had only bred and Pepperminttea . At this time was in Europe the hunger big.My Generation (born 1967)have forget the Storys that the grannys tells us!They want happyness and money.Money,Money ,that people give in this world who are in cruel Poorness would they no know.But it come the time that so people judge from the Lord.I hope so.Please forgive me my broken english. Best wishes from Germany and God bless you!

@mihills4168 4 жыл бұрын

does anybody know what happened to janet baker and familyafter this.did she get out"of the mountains.that hot meal looked like refried beans and cornbreadand homemade butter.the teacher must of parted out the choresof necessity in the school cause traditionally that would of been the teachers work and or a janitor.i like to think charles bought her janet a little something off record. happy holidays

@rogerjeffrey 5 жыл бұрын

Sounds like the first school I attended in Grapevine Kentucky

@localyokel9672 5 жыл бұрын

They didn’t consolidate schools till maybe 55 years ago, I always went to a one room school with all eight grades and the same teacher for them all. Remember when we first got to school in the morning walking the teacher would have the older boys bring in coal for the stove, start a fire and then start teaching, our desks were those with a dest connected to a seat in front of you with those old ink wells, man those were the days, I really miss home.

@rkiser781 4 жыл бұрын

roger,,i'm from pike cty--around peach orchard

@firelands80 3 жыл бұрын

I had 2 Aunts&Uncle went to Kimper,mouth of Hurricane.

@JustforFun-ki6fk 5 жыл бұрын

I love these videos!

@CountryRelaxincom 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for your comment. Bookmark the website, which will be coming back, soon. CountryRelaxin.com :)

@Franaflyby 4 жыл бұрын

Hearing the voice of reporter Charles Kuralt brought back memories of watching the Sunday morning show with my dad back in the mid 1960"s. I couldn't imagine to many divorces this day and age where Molly would still feed Bill.. Bill would starve to death and he wouldn't be living in the back yard either. Times are a changin .

@CountryRelaxincom 4 жыл бұрын

Merry Christmas 2019 to you and all my best to you and yours. Thank you immensely for your time out of your day you took to comment

@gregman1715 4 жыл бұрын

THE SAD THING EVEN TO THIS DAY THERE ARE STILL POOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE TO LIVE LIKE THIS AND THAT'S THE TRUTH

@CountryRelaxincom 4 жыл бұрын

To which they will smile at you at your darkest hour to remind you that no matter what your lot in life, it can always be worse. Take heart. Merry Christmas 2019 to you and all my best to you and yours. Thank you immensely for your time out of your day you took to comment

@sheilabarron7206 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you ♥️

@CountryRelaxincom 5 жыл бұрын

Thank YOU for taking the time to comment. I'm glad you enjoyed the vid.

@Trevorjennings679 Жыл бұрын

Hello Sheila, how are you doing today, hope you’re fine and safe from the COVID-19 virus??

@sheilabarron7206 5 жыл бұрын

Happy Thanksgiving and a Merry Christmas to y'all and Best Wishes Things get rough,but God takes care of all of Us even when We don't think He's there God Bless y'all ✌️♥️😘

@localyokel9672 5 жыл бұрын

Levi Hawk you understand nothing about mountain people, we were and are content with Gods provisions.

@richardyoung4616 5 жыл бұрын

I will say you people are not real bright but sure do have an imagination. All your heaven and hell stuff comes from a weak gullible mind but it's an escape from reality . THINK FOR YOURSELF.

@BlueRidgeMtns100 5 жыл бұрын

@@localyokel9672 You damned well better be content because God doesn't treat appendicitis, rotten teeth, leukemia, breast cancer, prostate cancer, heart attacks and other such annoyances. Or perhaps you don't know what life was like before Social Security and later on Medicare and funding for sick children.

@CountryRelaxincom 4 жыл бұрын

@@BlueRidgeMtns100 As I cared for my wife the last 6 years of her life bed bound until the day she died after decades of marriage, I have no doubts of what God can and cannot do. Yet... My faith is fully intact. I won't bore you with things I'm sure you've heard before. I don't mean to be brash, but can't let this accusation against God stand.

@BlueRidgeMtns100 4 жыл бұрын

@@CountryRelaxincom I'm not accusing God. I realize that death comes for all, even mountains, rivers, and seas. I am not, however, recumbent in facing natural circumstances. I need shelter, therefore I do what is necessary to obtain shelter, warmth, food, clothing. If I am sick, I find the best medical care possible. If I see evil and injustice, I turn my hand to whatever I am able to do to counter it. If I am poor, I seek out ways to improve my lot. Our physical affairs on earth are our responsibility. We cannot always succeed in our goals but urging others to accept poverty and misery because of "God will provide" is utter nonsense. God doesn't build hospitals and educate doctors and nurses, active and forward thinking people do that. God doesn't put groceries on the table nor provide food and clothing for children - active, responsible adults do that. There are times and places that man's unjust work prevents many people from having a decent life and it is the responsibility of fair minded people to change those circumstances rather than lamely pleading "leave it to God."

@TightwadTodd 5 жыл бұрын

This was not only happening in Appalachia,but Far northern Ca as well,in the small town regions,especially when the Govt,started shutting down logging and mills closed..

@jharris947 4 жыл бұрын

Even today it's still the same old question the world over......If you are that poor why keep having so many children?

@ntcw 3 жыл бұрын

Nowadays in some places the more kids means the more welfare dollars you can "draw" on said kids.

@agataneumann9980 4 жыл бұрын

So much class this Mother has. Bless her!

@Trevorjennings679 Жыл бұрын

Hello Agata, how are you doing today, hope you’re fine and safe from the COVID-19 virus??

@glennweeks7176 5 жыл бұрын

great little film...wonder what happened to these little families...

@CountryRelaxincom 5 жыл бұрын

@Levi Hawk It's sad when the simplest, purest things in life are forgotten for the sake of politics or television ratings. I'm not saying, in the least, that this was a cash-grab by the network, as all news companies to this day try to capitalize on sad stories, but that the moral of the entirety of the story gets lost in the cynical mix of those feelings from us as viewers.

@helenahandbasket3016 4 жыл бұрын

I'd love to know what became of the children in this film. I hope some independent journalist/youtuber follows up on them

@hearttoheart4me 4 жыл бұрын

How anybody can watch this and not be moved by these people. When Charles quoted the bible about Jesus talking to his disciples saying "Blessed are the poor, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" It is all they have. Such a powerful statement.

@CountryRelaxincom 4 жыл бұрын

Merry Christmas 2019 to you and all my best to you and yours. Thank you immensely for your time out of your day you took to comment

@speckledhen409 4 жыл бұрын

Hw couldn’t buy shoes but he bought cigarettes. My my.

@tabithawallen7716 4 жыл бұрын

Tobacco was and is very cheap to grow. Many people raised it and sold what they could, smoked the rest. There are also other plants you can smoke (not marijuana).

@speckledhen409 4 жыл бұрын

@@tabithawallen7716 it was the way it was then. I know I had parents that smoked. A pack of cigs was 35 cents. Dollar store tennis shoes were a buck. My parents smoked 2 or 3 packs a day each. They could have bought me a pair of cheap shoes but stated they didn't have the money . Some depend on charity instead if being responsible. I still bothers me to see people smoking around children and ur still happens. This is the truth as I know it. No offenence.

@Zillionz100 5 жыл бұрын

Mountain People are resourceful. Many did better than how this show portrayed. These are pioneer people;They could do anything and really do what they needed to do to provide for their Families. This must be one bad spot where they filmed this episode. Country living is a good life. You are not trapped in a city. Poor was rich enough for us Families must stick together and help each other out. You must be industrious such as the pioneers who settled Appalachia. Many proud men with a fourth grade education provided for their Families even if they had to go and make money up North and send it back. They were wise enough to have everything paid for ...they kept their expenses down. They were able to return to their Families Garden fish hunt repair machinery n such... The people of Appalachia are better than this film made out. A Family with love and relatives and friends is better than living in a rat race where nobody really knows anybody and you are up to your neck of debt... Every home Father in Law owned was his even if he built it himself. He always had a big garden and he always provided everything for his 8 kids that they could ever really need. Some people are so beat down; it is hard for them to lift themselves up. No water bill on Papas farmette. He was smart and took any kind of work possible but worked the coal temple to keep outside the mines. He even did a postal route anything and everything... He never burned through his money and kept his expenses low. Poor is ok. Some of the happiest times of your life is when you are poor and when you can when you are growing up;You look forward to the day when you can go out and make a living too... it is not where you live...it is what you do to survive. This was a cruel film. Be Proud.

@marthafazzini9835 4 жыл бұрын

Everyone had Huge gardens. Canned. Hunted.

@maitreyaisthebeast 5 жыл бұрын

People in Beaver Creek and weeksbury are still waiting! Drugs has took over in those areas now, people are extremely poor, and their only way of making money is selling drugs and getting other people addicted. It's really a sad situation in my area.

@tabithawallen7716 4 жыл бұрын

I live in Garrett, not much else here either

@saturn3344 4 жыл бұрын

I grew up in SE Kentucky and I was blessed to have a working Father and Grandfather. They got out and found jobs and worked hard. You have to be a bit industrious in order to survive in that area.

@reneemallicone6839 2 жыл бұрын

My Mom was raised dirt poor in 3 room clapboard shack in Richmond WV. They used to jump the coal trains and throw the coal off and the younger kids would follow behind with buckets picking up the coal to heat there house or they would have froze to death in the winter. My Grandfather was an alcoholic coal miner like most were back then. Christmas consisted of a stocking with an orange and a set of jacks if that. They had nothing. My grandmother died at 39 of lung cancer. My Grandfather jumped ship so my Mom became a Mom at 13 and raised her siblings from the ages of 9 months to 11 years. Her oldest brother went to work in the mines and supported them till welfare came and took all the kids away. My Mom was 15 when that happened. Her life was hard and heartbreaking. My Mom had very few happy childhood memories. All she ever remembered was working likes a dog trying to help keep food on the table and clothes on her siblings back. My mothers sister remembers when welfare came to take them she was so embarrassed. She didnt even have a pair of underwear. Imagine living like that. It was a horrific life. No child should have to endure that but most of my Mom's generation did just that if you lived in Appalachia.

@Trevorjennings679 Жыл бұрын

Hello Renee, how are you doing today, hope you’re fine and safe from the COVID-19 virus??

@mci828045 5 жыл бұрын

The narrator's voice reminds me of the famous Paul Harvey

@alliematt1016 Ай бұрын

That was Charles Kuralt. I remember him from On the Road and Sunday Morning.

@debbiecooper1677 5 жыл бұрын

My family is from Millard Pikeville. My self I grew up in Ashland..

@CountryRelaxincom 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your comment Debbie. Bookmark the site. More coming back, soon. :)

@Trevorjennings679 Жыл бұрын

Hello Debbie, how are you doing today, hope you’re fine and safe from the COVID-19 virus??

@Caperhere 6 жыл бұрын

Should have shown the house belonging to the millionaire mine owner.

@localyokel9672 5 жыл бұрын

We wouldn’t have cared, our people wasn’t like that, we weren’t a bit jealous of someone else, Bible says contentment is great gain, we were content and still are, money is not everything and you take none into the next life, best be sending savings into the stores of heaven and not in this temporary home.

@susanfisher336 3 жыл бұрын

Like I said, 50 years later and the millionaires are now billionaires...greed, just out and out greed.

@cheyennebrady6217 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you. This is interesting

@Trevorjennings679 Жыл бұрын

Hello Cheyenne, how are you doing today, hope you’re fine and safe from the COVID-19 virus??

@deborahwashington3001 4 жыл бұрын

The attitude is familiar to me. Loretta Lynn once said of living in the KY mountains, "there's coal mining, moon shining, and moving on." A lot of people left the area, including me.

@Trevorjennings679 Жыл бұрын

Hello Deborah, how are you doing today, hope you’re fine and safe from the COVID-19 virus??

@diamondintheroughiamthelaw9682 5 жыл бұрын

I can relate.

@jonimichalski69 5 жыл бұрын

Christmas Old-fashioned

@dongil123 4 жыл бұрын

And this kids was how life used to be, simple, reflective and basic.

@armorybrunotjr.3204 4 жыл бұрын

RIP, Charles Kuralt.

@CountryRelaxincom 4 жыл бұрын

Merry Christmas 2019 to you and all my best to you and yours. Thank you immensely for your time out of your day you took to comment

@ifoundmyavalon 4 жыл бұрын

Janets mama is so sweet.

@uratrick 6 жыл бұрын

So sad. And what even makes it worse is nothing has changed.

@cherylmacgregor5650 6 жыл бұрын

uratrick I think a lot has changed. Television, for one thing. TV brought the world in. It showed these wonderful people what they were missing. It's a shame these people lived like many people in Third World countries in the bounty of the USA. As of 1965, the coal mines were mostly gone because of automation and air quality concerns. I remember when my Wisconsin town burned coal. I had to shovel coal into the bin when it as delivered and shovel out the klinkers after the coal burned. By the mid 1960's people used oil and natural gas. My dad lost his job because he was a wall washer, a necessity in homes with coal grimed walls. The people in this report were hopeful even though they were incredibly poor. I admire them.

@CountryRelaxincom 5 жыл бұрын

@@cherylmacgregor5650 Third world country? This is the United States still today in some places. Grasp the country values portrayed here, not the ill fortune. Imagine if every person saw this, who cared, and brought these values to the world today. What a kind world it would be. Helpful, family-oriented, grounded in what matters most.

@uratrick 5 жыл бұрын

@@cherylmacgregor5650 I admire them as well.

@markmiller4503 4 жыл бұрын

22:42 The sad thing is it has got much worse.

@susanfisher336 3 жыл бұрын

50 years and counting. Nothing has changed.

@Trevorjennings679 Жыл бұрын

Hello Susan, how are you doing today, hope you’re fine and safe from the COVID-19 virus??

@evagibson4511 3 жыл бұрын

How my family grew up

@Trevorjennings679 Жыл бұрын

Hello Eva, how are you doing today, hope you’re fine and safe from the COVID-19 virus??

@jeannieblankenship336 5 жыл бұрын

Why didn't he buy somefood and a toy for them

@filmguymike 5 жыл бұрын

I was hoping for that kind of an ending

@desertlillie9659 5 жыл бұрын

I was hoping for the same thing.

@CountryRelaxincom 5 жыл бұрын

Because unlike fairy tale books, real life is just that. In the future, if you see a story like this, bring it upon yourself to offer those toys to those children. Hope brings so much promise to a young person's future.

@dellajoycebairdmoses7890 5 жыл бұрын

@@CountryRelaxincom maybe the people who filmed it gave them something for being in the film.

@dianejohnson5216 3 жыл бұрын

Jeannie Blankenship maybe he did

@shopsshire9282 5 жыл бұрын

want to help build houses in Doddridge County West Virginia 92 and I'm very convinced that nothing is changed except maybe I've looked recently online and seen maybe a Walmart in West Union Virginia

@CountryRelaxincom 5 жыл бұрын

If you are in the area, make that change. Feel it. Bring hope.

@unitedwestand5100 5 жыл бұрын

What you see are remnants of what was. Most of the peoples children have moved on for jobs after the coal mines shut down.

@Barbarra63297 5 жыл бұрын

Wow poor film quality even for 1965! Really enjoyed this.

@Trevorjennings679 Жыл бұрын

Hello Barb, how are you doing today, hope you’re fine and safe from the COVID-19 virus??

@bigDwood 4 жыл бұрын

Amen

@shopsshire9282 5 жыл бұрын

it's amazing in 1965 how they had $56 in food stamps which would probably cover a little bit of what they needed but today many families get the same amount and it doesn't cover anything like that

@Kira7London-Spencer 4 жыл бұрын

I only get $16 for 2 per month TODAY

@serfillustrated4018 4 жыл бұрын

Welfare destroyed these people.

@timfarris6801 5 жыл бұрын

God love em .their so precious. True Americans ...

@dearprudence2260 4 жыл бұрын

I see something beautiful in these people, something absent in anyone else currently, all around me. Talk about disturbing. I don't believe the mirror will help me much.

@LeighDeitrick1 3 жыл бұрын

This got to me. I agree the whiney kids today should watch this. The poor burro only ate scraps too 😥

@pattiec9392 3 жыл бұрын

Did I hear right? Mr & ,Mrs so and so...and THEIR 11 CHILDREN. smdh

@Trevorjennings679 Жыл бұрын

Hello Pattie, how are you doing today, hope you’re fine and safe from the COVID-19 virus??

@BTastings 4 жыл бұрын

Same today there. Government dont care. Unreal.

@kimmichelle5987 4 жыл бұрын

Reminds me of my Great Grandfather and them, Pennsylvania. I was born in 67 and we had food stamps , hamd me down cloth and school lunch tokens in the 70s. Throughout the entire Appalacian range is it was very much this. Dairy and the recent natural gaslines have saved many areas in Pennsylvanias Mountains from Govt Welfare and Ghost towns but not all. Years 2000-2015. Reason why many on Social Media who fight for certain causes example ( social justice ) are completely erroneous to people such as these. Its like what the blank are you talking about. People need JOBS so they can LIVE not just survive. I currently live in Missiouri and it's no different. Alot of shack homes and half the town I live in is Povertized. Most are injured war veterans and the elderly. The winters are very hard on many. Diffrence being today the Govt and County's and Churches provide good foods. And clothing is abundant. Also housing. In that regard the US Govt has come a long way. BUT such people DO NOT want to be on welfare they want JOBS. Why those coming here that do to live off the Govt and then complain sounds so far fetched like anotber world to people like these. And why JOBS and security in them including factorys is their number one concern ad it should be. That is the Govts JOB not all the other SHIT they amd the media keep handing to the public Do what you can everyone, only you know your neighbors and those who need help in your neighborhoods. Make the world a better place by starting here. Thats all I got to say except Thank you Great grandpapa, Grandpapa and Dad we may have never owned a home or land but weve had opportunities beyond their wildest dreams for us and live and have joy and hope amongst sorrows.

@CountryRelaxincom 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Kim. Home is where the heart is, period. Good folks you had there. Cherish them. Merry Christmas 2019 to you and all my best to you and yours. Thank you immensely for your time out of your day you took to comment

@BlueRidgeMtns100 4 жыл бұрын

You are absolutely right. Decent paying jobs are the solution.

@---John--- 4 жыл бұрын

Wish I could find a better quality of this.

@johnbryant5086 5 жыл бұрын

Wow thats depressing

@ReenyNY 5 жыл бұрын

Charles Kuralt -- who had a whole secret other family while he was married with family. We're sure he cares a whole lot.

@davidpack842 4 жыл бұрын

Ollie and Janice baker is my aunt and cousin

@CountryRelaxincom 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for sharing your personal relationship. This is exactly why this medium is here and I appreciate your selflessness in sharing. Small world, good folks. Merry Christmas 2019 to you and all my best to you and yours. Thank you immensely for your the time out of your day you took to comment

@wizzardofpaws2420 2 жыл бұрын

Janet is precious

@MsDelola 5 жыл бұрын

the sad of this is,there r still prts of this country where people live as such nd theres nothing this country does to help.its to busy kissing ass ,feeding nd assisting other countries.what a disgrace this country ,may,seem to be.we can not transmit something we do not have nd if we dont have it to take cre of our own,why r we trying so hard w/other countries ?

@CountryRelaxincom 5 жыл бұрын

Agreed 100%. Take care of your own. If you help your community surrounding you, your community will do nothing but get better. One way or the other. Hope. Help.

@terribolan2010 5 жыл бұрын

Me and so many I know believe this way. I've never understood why helping our own citizens isn't the priority.

@unitedwestand5100 5 жыл бұрын

Like in SF and LA where they shoot up drugs in the train station lobby, and shit on the sidewalks.

@justinbryant9419 5 жыл бұрын

Why its not in cloor the film isnt not in cloor picture format

@jendyson6729 4 жыл бұрын

because it was filmed in the 1960's.....

@jwdude51 9 жыл бұрын

I remember my family thought it was stupid at the time. I can re-call them getting angry.

@gkarenstratton 5 жыл бұрын

About what? Seeing this documentary?

@CountryRelaxincom 5 жыл бұрын

@@gidget8717 Please don't be angry with me for my reply, I just want to explain (and I have nothing to do with the production of this original documentary in any way, then or today). Let's be honest, this documentary was originally created to gain ratings for a television station. Same as today. Some things don't change. Yet, somewhere in the background there was someone working on that crew who wanted some honesty and understanding to come out in it. Otherwise, I would not host it, nor condone it. I understand your comment. I was born/raised in Appalachia. I moved to live right on the New York border for one year. I moved back to Appalachia 20 years ago by choice, not by necessity. Different strokes, yes? While this documentary paints a picture of a bleak outlook, it is a "portion" of the area. Not many today would view this as a slight on my/your/our way of life/beliefs. It is simply a time capsule containing a life that was obviously, and by way of document, happening in the area. Not all people lived this way back then. Most people realize this and it shouldn't be seen as a slight on anyone's way of life. The despair seen here is underlined by a hope that people today need to see. Did the children show signs of giving up? No. Did the adults waver in their faith in the face of such adversity? No. Be it religious belief or pure human will, they moved forward and proved what was the most important thing in the existence in any human life: Family/friends. Today, you might even find families with children , or even parents, who have less than a high school education. Be they from rural mountains/plains or the ghettos of a big city. Some by choice, some by circumstance. But, to which I think you will agree, the ferocity of their love for their family/friends will be something that fills the void of such education, and do them far more good in the long run. In Appalachia, there are many culturally significant places. Be that your favorite diner on main street that some lucky traveler gets to visit and say "Oh my God that food was awesome!" or a more prominent place like The Greenbrier for those with a luckier lot in life. Google quote for The Greenbrier: "The Greenbrier is an award-winning resort located in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. ... The Greenbrier has been awarded the AAA Five Diamond status since inception of the award and is one of only three properties to have earned this distinction for 33 consecutive years." Different strokes. No pun intended. Lastly, I will explain for the first time why I host this on KZfaq. Obviously, as a whole, the documentary paints a picture of a way of life that shows/proves what is most important to a human being. More specifically, the part at 4:24 when the mother offers the exact same respect to her daughter and the "Famous TV guy" in town to make a movie. Notice the way she treats her daughter with the respect of being every bit as important to her time and attention as the "TV guy" and in the same way, treats the "TV guy" with the respect of a guest in her home, no more, no less. If people today would learn the true meaning of what just happened in that social situation, I believe the world would be a much better place. When it comes to respect, some things don't change. This is the reason I host this video. Please let anyone in your family who was angered by it read this. Anger or slighting a way of life was the last of my intent when hosting it.

@CountryRelaxincom 5 жыл бұрын

@@gidget8717 OK. I'm happy you enjoy it being here. I agree. Thank you for your reply. :)

@RB-lh9gg 3 жыл бұрын

Wish this wàs main stream media,most appalachians were poor,lived off the land,my family never had slaves,my family worked for everything they have..

@2late4me2care 4 жыл бұрын

Wow. $56 a month food stamps for 4 children, a pregnant mother and the father.

@litt222 11 ай бұрын

My parent's had to leave.

@mon796 4 жыл бұрын

Holler, not Hollow

@sassypolkadots6446 4 жыл бұрын

Do these communities still exist now?,!

@CountryRelaxincom 4 жыл бұрын

Unfortunately, yes. But, do not fear. :) From these hard times comes a people who are hardened to the future strifes, have faith in their hearts, and withstand tribulations far beyond what is normal. Life is one big circle. The smile you will see some day from a person like this is the smile that will make your day all the better and allow you to see what is important in life.

@davidakers6012 5 жыл бұрын

Remember them day well.

@jessiejames7492 5 жыл бұрын

feel sorry for them. i wonder how the black families lived shunned at that time. anyway, they had close knit families. thats very important. when you have family, you can overcome anything together.

@joannadickerson8572 4 жыл бұрын

They lived and worked the mines also. Same situation when the mines closed. No one had money to move their families out, no education, no jobs locally. I was raised 17 miles from the nearest town in 1950. Both parents worked in town. They gave rides to many people. Our area was better off, because we lived beside a blacktop road, giving us easier access to jobs, what there was of them.

@Trevorjennings679 Жыл бұрын

Hello Jessie, how are you doing today, hope you’re fine and safe from the COVID-19 virus??

@glennevans5824 4 жыл бұрын

People weren’t as selfish as today....Christmas...now...I can imagine the demands today...sometimes simple is better...

@CountryRelaxincom 4 жыл бұрын

The matters of the heart are always the best way. Merry Christmas 2019 to you and all my best to you and yours. Thank you imesnsely for your time out of your day you took to comment

@kking5652 4 жыл бұрын

Permanently Poor, Permanently True, even in 2020.

@EpicConspiracy 4 жыл бұрын

I’m calling BS on there being tens of thousands of roads in those states

@marionmaier9006 5 жыл бұрын

sad,sad,sad

@potatosalad5355 5 жыл бұрын

Well from that Christmas in three and half years later ....this "same" people put man on the Moon y bring it back....

@helenahandbasket3016 4 жыл бұрын

This will be many in America when automation takes over everything. The govt cant and wont take care of people. We have to take care of ourselves. Innovate your life now so that you can survive later.

@jendyson6729 4 жыл бұрын

Automation is here to stay and will continue to replace jobs that folks never imagined would disappear. I agree with you 100%, you can't sit there and just wait for things to go in reverse back to the old days. We see how well the government has responded to thousands of families loosing their jobs right now from an economic disaster, exactly one stimulus check so far that doesn't even begin to cover bills most families have. Innovation is needed because its up to the individual to figure out how to survive change.

@KYKIN89 10 жыл бұрын

01:56 It's h-o-l-l-e-r not h-a-h-l-o

@pollysshore2539 7 жыл бұрын

The way they say Appalachia... Jesus

@gkarenstratton 5 жыл бұрын

@@pollysshore2539 Whaaat? What does the Savior have to do with how they pronounce things?? The guy used the word 'hollow' which the dictionary calls these low spots ... not meaning to be disrespectful by not pronouncing it their sweetly Southern way.

@nancycampbell9554 5 жыл бұрын

no holler is how the peoe from Appalachia pronounce it. but hollow is the correct pronouaction. i know i am from hazard ky in Appalachia its a small town just like in this documentary i have moved to lexington as an adult to work their is no work there even today not much has changed even in this day and age people there are diffrent than others they have love respect and are very thankful for what they have

@appa32472 3 жыл бұрын

Most of them quit school in 2nd or 3rd grade cause they had to get married cause they had babys on the way.

@cool_hand_luke97 5 жыл бұрын

We did not need more .we got by with what we had and plenty of love.and they taught GOD at home and school not sex.

@ChrimeR6 2 жыл бұрын

Them kids are dirty from work

@caspence56 5 жыл бұрын

O.K., I'm ready for the flood of nasty replies coming my way, but these families should invest in some condoms instead of cigarettes.

@jackcovington1322 2 жыл бұрын

Lack of education, bleakness, more hands more help,

@LisaSobota 4 жыл бұрын

Isn't it incredible to see and examine how Capitalism and Baptist Evangelical Christianity have collaborated over the centuries in this country in order to keep certain demographics of its citizens poor, starving and desperate? I'd invite anyone who viewed that KZfaq feature as I did to now listen to this podcast episode to contrast and compare perspectives about the intersection of "morality", religion, politics, governing & the economy during the 1930's in rural Southern America and how a new understanding of macroeconomics and how the Green New Deal could re-shape America for the foreseeable future: "In this episode of Money on the Left, we speak with historian Alison Collis Greene about her book *No Depression in Heaven* with an eye toward contemporary debates around the Green New Deal. Subtitled *The Great Depression, the New Deal, and the Transformation of Religion in the Delta,* Alison’s book critiques what she calls the 'myth of the redemptive depression' which, particularly in the American south, eroded the legacy of the original New Deal by affirming regressive fantasies of self-help and individualism. Many on the left today see the 'New Deal' framing of contemporary social and ecological politics as a concession to liberal nostalgia. However, *No Depression in Heaven* reminds us that right-wing and religious dismissals of the New Deal played a key part in rolling back government provisioning under neoliberalism. From our perspective, then, the original New Deal remains a crucial rhetorical battleground for the future of American political economy." mronline.org/2019/10/15/no-depression-in-heaven-with-alison-collis-greene/

@CountryRelaxincom 4 жыл бұрын

Merry Christmas 2019 to you and all my best to you and yours. Thank you immensely for your time out of your day you took to comment

@Trevorjennings679 Жыл бұрын

Hello Lisa, how are you doing today, hope you’re fine and safe from the COVID-19 virus??

@joeparks3748 4 жыл бұрын

So many of these folks have been convinced to vote against their own interest. If hard work equaled financial success there wouldn’t hardly be a poor person in the mountains.

@reason5591 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you yes you are so correct!